Had an interesting conversation recently with a very strongtechnology graduate where in essence he asked two questions.

1. What else should I do for this company that I have interviewed for?The company is an established technical consultingfirm looking to add two new technical experts in areas ofher strengths. Thank you notes and decision timelines aresent and set.–> don’t stop interviewing and the job search.What counts is that you really like the opportunity, know howto respond to a positive offer and follow through in a business-likefashion.–> do your due diligence on the consulting firm. Find out howsatisfied previous clients are. Who are the firms major competitorsin its industry? what are they doing — are they hiring? Get annualreports.Treat the potential employer as a possible future investment and learnhow well they are doing in the marketplace.–> know your next steps when an offer comes.(1)call to tell you have received the offer, thank them and indicate it isgenerous and attractive and you are considering it seriously.(2)further write to confirm all the details(3)Simultaneously, consult with family and mentors on the offer, salary,benefits, responsibilities, risks and compare to comparable offers(4)does it meet your standards that you should invest your time there, your family’s growth and your career management plan(5)determine if items need to be negotiated (remember only after receiving a written offer) and practice with a career consultant(6)negotiate in a win-win strategy; confirm in writing when final(7)write acceptance letter with starting date and plan for your first day

2. Why am I not getting offers in earlier interviews?She described getting several screening interviews. We spoke in ourteleconference about Amy Cuddy’s “confidence posing“, the importance of nonverbals, initial impressions (smiling, handshake, eye to eye contact) in interviews and story-telling providing her candidacy with a “spark” displaying confidence and a can-do attitude.